Kitzhaber is considering a run for Guv

[Blue Topaz]

Says today's Oregonian

Former Gov. John Kitzhaber moved one step closer to a comeback bid Friday, saying he is seriously considering a run for an unprecedented third term as Oregon governor.

Kitzhaber said he told current Gov. Ted Kulongoski he may enter the Democratic primary and will make a final decision shortly after the first of the year.

"I called the governor yesterday (Thursday) just to let him know that I intended to take a hard look at whether or not I want to get involved in the race," Kitzhaber said in a phone interview from Florida, where he was attending a health policy meeting.

The article says that polls show Oregon Dems are evenly split between Kulongoski and Kitzhaber, which really surprises me. All the Dems I know would take John over Ted any day.

[eeyore]

1. I'd take the doctor back in a second

Kulongoski is okay, but he's a bit understated for me. I honestly can't name a single thing he's done, good or bad.

[funflower]

4. Kitz was the first governor since McCall who tried to DO something!

And, of course, he could take Kevin Mannix to the cleaners.... :bounce:

[doubleplusgood]

2. Kitz needs to run against Gordo in '08

Wouldn't mind seeing him come back as gov, though.

[depakid]

3. He'll never do that

but running as Governor again, he could help retake the House- which may be why he's considering it.

As it stands, he was pretty well cheated out of his legacy by the Republican majority. Assuming he gets elected with a Dem House and Senate, he might actually be able to put this state back on the right track again.

[Buck Rabbit]

6. Why wouldn't he?

Asking a question here as I don't know.

I am not a big fan of Ted, but I would certainly like to see someone with a chance run against Gordo than unseat Ted.

If it is because Ex-Gov Doc, thinks health care should be handled at a state level he is wrong. It needs to be addressed at a national level so the states tax base can be kept competitive with Washington and California at the least, for keeping jobs in the state.

American companies with a conscious who try to care for their employees, would be more competitive if freed from the health insurance burden when competing in a World market place or against the Wal-Martish exploiters of the work force who dodge paying insurance benefits.

[depakid]

7. Have you ever been to Washington, D.C.?

Oregon it ain't- and he's not taking his kid back there, either (I'm not sure who has custody).

He's a quintessential Oregonian- and was a shoe in last time when he decided not to run. No way he goes to D.C. I sure wouldn't.

[Buck Rabbit]

8. Senators don't usually live in DC do they?

The parts of Maryland and Virginia that most live in are beautiful and rich in history. Interesting things to do and see abound.

Come on Doc, take one for the team. There are only a few who could unseat Gordo.

[stubtoe]

5. That would be cool with me.

'nuff said

[Protagoras]

9. I am not a Ted fan but I'd rather have John take Smith's seat

and let Kulongoski fend off Whatizbozo (won't say his name).

I think if John runs, John wins...whichever seat he runs for.